Georgia defensive tackle Elisha Shaw names Alabama his leader

Elisha Shaw is rated by the 247Composite as the nation's No. 2 defensive tackle for the Class of 2014. (Photo courtesy of 247Sports)

One of the nation's top defensive tackles was in Tuscaloosa this weekend to take in Alabama's A-Day spring game and the experience moved the Crimson Tide to the top of the list for the elite recruit. Tucker, Ga. star Elisha Shaw was one of a large group of elite prospects in Tuscaloosa on Saturday and while it wasn't Shaw's first visit to Tuscaloosa, the four-star tackle said the atmosphere for Alabama's spring game blew him away.

"You just don't see excitement like this at other schools for a spring game," Shaw said. "Everybody's into it, everybody's supportive of this program all year long. It's really unique."

Shaw, who is rated the nation's No. 2 defensive tackle prospect by the 247Composite rankings, said he came close to committing to Alabama during the visit but decided to wait until a later date.

"Alabama's definitely No. 1 on my list now," Shaw said. "I really thought hard about committing to them while I was there but in the end I think it's better if I stay with my plan and make my commitment at the Army All-American Game. By then I will have had a chance to see all the schools I'm interested in and know for sure where I want to go."

The Crimson Tide tops a list for Shaw that includes Georgia, Florida State, Auburn and Ole Miss, in that order. The 6-foot-5, 305-pound Shaw said that he spent plenty of time on Saturday with new Alabama commit Shaun Dion Hamilton and got a chance to meet with Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who pitched early playing time as a major selling point for the elite defensive tackle.

"Coach Saban told me he thinks I have a very good chance to play as a freshman. He said they really need big, athletic defensive tackles like me for what they are trying to do defensively and that I'm a major priority for them this year."

"I really love Alabama's style of defense. They play hard-nose football but they also play smart and they do a lot of things to get into the offense's head. There's a reason not many teams have beaten them the past few years."

Shaw also said he is recovering well from a meniscus tear for which he underwent surgery earlier this year.

"The surgery went well and I'm getting stronger everyday. I should be ready to get to work again as soon as the spring is over. I can't wait to get back on the field this fall."